The X is (is) construction

The aim of this chapter is to propose a Functional Discourse Grammar analysis of constructions of the form (the) {thing/point/fact etc.} is (is) (that) that reflects both the semi-fixed nature of these constructions and their specific discourse-pragmatic functions. First, it is argued that the sequence (the) {thing/X} is (is) (that) functions as a pragmatic-rhetorical marker in a presentative (non-specificational) construction. On the basis of authentic data, it is further argued that, in terms of form and function, there is no reason to assume that the thing is construction differs significantly from constructions with other head nouns, nor from constructions with double is. Finally, a Functional Discourse Grammar analysis of these constructions is proposed which fully exploits the model’s different levels of representation, as well as the presence of different kinds of primitives (lexemes, operators, frames, templates). In addition, a new feature will be introduced, that of the semi-fixed (morphosyntactic or phonological) template, to deal with the dual, semi-fixed nature of thing is/X is constructions.